The world will need Africa’s resources and young population – Prof Ikegame
The world will increasingly depend on Africa’s resources and young population, Professor Mieko Ikegame, a former United Nations Lead and Focal Point for the Tokyo International Conference of African Development (TICAD), has said. The post The world will need Africa’s resources and young population – Prof Ikegame appeared first on Ghana Business News .
Professor Mieko Ikegame, a former United Nations Lead and Focal Point for the Tokyo International Conference of African Development (TICAD), has stated that the world will increasingly depend on Africa's resources and young population. In her address at the TICAD Youth Drive 2026 in Accra, Ikegame emphasized the importance of Africa strategically managing its natural resources and strengthening its bargaining position.
She highlighted that Africa's future hinges on how it utilizes its abundant resources to advance its development interests, which would have a profound impact on global peace, food security, and economic growth due to its rapidly expanding population. Ikegame noted that by 2050, Africa is projected to account for nearly half of the world's population, with a significant portion comprising young individuals.
She urged African countries to move away from traditional donor-recipient relationships and embrace cooperation based on mutual interests. Ikegame also stressed the need for African governments and young people to protect the flow of information and prevent external interference, leveraging information technology to access the information they require.
The Ghanaian Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, acknowledged a decline in general unemployment but pointed out an increase in youth unemployment due to the burgeoning youth population. His government has launched various programs to provide employment and skill opportunities for young people, such as the "Ejumawura" program and the National Apprenticeship Programme.
Opare Addo urged the youth to take full advantage of these initiatives and the enabling environment to meet global challenges. Additionally, David Kpondehou, President and Founder of the Africa Diaspora Network Japan, announced the launch of the Africa Japan Youth Alliance in Accra, aiming to move young people from dialogue towards action, transforming their lives and communities.
Written by urgent.news from Ghana Business News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
